Starting a Baby Boutique & Clothing Line

Make the most of ABC Kids Tradeshow

July 1st, 2008

I know SO many people who will be exhibiting at the ABC show this year. It’s coming up fast, can you believe it? We’re not going. I feel such a huge amount of relief at this fact, but don’t let that discourage you, I’m just really happy to be off the trade show stress circuit, it’s personal. But I want to pass my number one tip on to those of you who are going. I hope that this sinks in and you start making  your calls now - make appointments, make appointments, make appointments.

I did not do this last year. This would have made this difference between an I-can’t-believe-I-made-it-through show and an AWESOME show. You have to look at this like cold calling, especially if you’re a first time exhibitor and you’re counting on this show to launch your product. You will be blown away by the number of vendors that they let exhibit there. The buyers will be absolutely exhausted and glossy-eyed by the time they hit the “first time exhibitors” area.

If you have appointments, you’ll keep your booth busy which will naturally peak the interest of passers by - increasing the flow of traffic at your booth. If you’ve made the calls, you’ll recognize company names on badges, and even if you didn’t snag an appointment on the phone, you have an opener “oh, I spoke with you briefly about the benefits…”

Perspective

Last year, there were 32+ rows of vendors on the bottom floor and I think about 20 on the top floor. 50+ rows of at least 20 vendors a row - how do you stand out? I’ve heard raves about doing the new product showcase, so I would jump on that opportunity if it’s still available. And of course, I’ve written a lot about the importance of an amazing display.

If this is your first trade show, here are some quick tips: don’t pitch buyers in the aisle, don’t jump out in front of them (you’ll get  a feel for when a step out is different than hoarding all of their attention down the aisle).  Only visit other vendors when there are no buyers present, and if you are visiting (there will be plenty of time for meeting your neighbors), step away when a buyer stops to view their products.

You can make the show a fantastic show, but you have to MAKE IT HAPPEN. Don’t rely on the show to bring everyone to you, get your name out there before the show. Work the phones, get as many appointments as you can. You’ll start a great amount of momentum now, and with two months behind it, you’ll blow yourself away at the show.

And HAVE FUN.

Entry Filed under: Trade Shows & Market